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Mark experiences Friendly Bible Study in the manner of Rich Square Friends (North Carolina Conservative)

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:05:27 -0800

At times I felt almost giddy during the bible study because it felt so special to have this communal sharing of bible study, and at many different levels. Some Friends were very familiar with the bible, others were not. Some had insights into the particular historical and cultural context of the readings, while others offered real life experiences that reflected on the text. Posted by LizOpp

Linda Wilk: Quakers live their principles

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:02:08 -0800

I've been alarmed by some of the posts that I've found on sites like wikipedia and expert.com that stated that Friends follow individualistic spiritual paths. This is a gross misstatement of our manner of being. While Friends may welcome others, wherever they are on their spiritual path, the path is neither an individualistic or solitary one. For the path of being a Quaker is one that can not be defined in a vacuum; it must be experienced as a part of the whole. Posted by Martin Kelley

Friends, Money, and Class

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:43:36 -0800

Lots of thoughtful articles by in this issue of New York Yearly Meeting's magazine. Posted by Martin Kelley

Emerging Diane has seen the damage done by gossip

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:04:46 -0800

Factionalism, favoritism, in-groups and gossip do immense, and I would say, often unacknowledged, damage to Quaker institutions and meetings, as well as in the wider world. I've seen the "mischief making" and I've seen people more often than I'd like to have leave meetings because of it. Mostly, they don't care about the quarrel, whatever it may be, but they do care about the way people act and they are appalled at what they see. Posted by Martin Kelley

LizOpp: Pride and privilege (and credit)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:02:02 -0800

I know this because I am getting lessons about pride and privilege nearly every day it seems, from different people, over and over and over again. So it must be important and I need to pay closer attention. Posted by Martin Kelley

Quakernomics Matthews tells us not to be positive!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:24:11 -0800

I feel we need to return to those earlier Quaker values it's a hard road and there are no guarantees but being dreamily positive is no substitute for a realistic understanding of the problems we face. Too much positive thinking and looking inside ourselves for answers lets those who have created this mess escape their responsibility and disarms us from holding them to account. Posted by Martin Kelley

What Canst Thou Say?: Essentials of Quaker Practice?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:51:37 -0800

'Last month I was asked by the clerk of my Quarterly Meeting to say a few words about the essentials of Quaker practice. In preparation I asked a few Friends what they thought were the essentials.' Posted by Johan Maurer

Peterson compiles his "Jesus Loves You!" posts

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:57:27 -0800

Over at Facebook we have had long discussions about certiain ones. Sometimes people get tickled, offended or downright inspired. Some in the series are ironic, some silly, some serious. I will let you decide which is which Posted by Martin Kelley

Alice M Yaxley: Sustainable economy for the future?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:23:55 -0700

If we experience such a leading and gathering, can our communities reach out to convince others of the joy and liberation that comes from living God's way, in such numbers that we can choose life for the future, avoiding the worst kind of global warming, welcoming God's kingdom worldwide, where justice and peace break out? Posted by Martin Kelley

Emerging Diane: New Age Girls (and Boys), Quakers and sweat lodges

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:08:32 -0700

I appreciate the Quaker emphasis on finding that of God in everyone, emphasizing grace over sin and understanding every person as having direct access to the light of the Holy Spirit. But if this slides into denying the existence of evil, then we become a society of Pollyannas, hoping to smile injustice away or to melt cruelty because of our radiant "patterns" of good living. Da Nile is a long river. Posted by Martin Kelley

Max Carter on Jon Watt's video & young adult Friends finding their homes in broader Quakerism

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:02:08 -0700

Young adult Quakers shared their deep concern that they had been shortchanged by their Friends meetings: pastoral Friends by the lack of teaching on Quaker distinctives and the testimonies; liberal Friends by the lack of teaching about the Bible and Christian beliefs. Jon's video displays that he has, indeed, become aware of the rich tapestry of a broader Quakerism – and that he is finding his home in it. Posted by Martin Kelley

Young Adult Friends Gathering, 2010: Save the date!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:36:45 -0700

We are excited to announce that University Friends Meeting is inviting Young Adult Friends (aged 18-35) from across North America to come together Friday, May 28 - Monday, May 31, 2010, in Wichita, Kansas. It is our prayer that this will be a time for Young Adult Friends from a wide variety of Yearly Meetings to gather to worship God, share in fellowship, and grow together in our faith as Friends. Posted by Martin Kelley

Musician Jon Watts reflects on video Friend Speaks My Mind/Dance Party

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:16:54 -0700

It is one thing for me to recite "I'm not a Christian but I'm a Quaker" in the safety of the community from which the song originated, and another thing entirely to share it in a setting in which the culture described in it is alien and incomprehensible and possibly even offensive. Posted by LizOpp

LizOpp: When do newcomers learn of Friends' diversity?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:01:45 -0700

It worries me to see new attenders, seekers, and young families come into our meetinghouses, maybe even get involved in the life of the meeting--the person's "home meeting"--without some early integration of the awareness of just who makes up the Religious Society of Friends. Posted by Martin Kelley

Valiant for the Truth - New Hope at FUM

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:39:21 -0700

'There were some important affirmations made at Stony Point, that were re-stated at our meetings this October. The first, and most foundational, is that we are convinced that God still has a purpose for FUM.' Posted by Johan Maurer

Craig Barnett: Quaker Way vs Quaker Space

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:08:37 -0700

This experience of Quaker Meeting as a 'Quaker Space' for personal reflection has largely eclipsed the more traditional understanding of a 'Quaker Way', which involves personal discipline, religious commitment and communal accountability. Many people in Quaker Meetings do not know that there is a distinctive Quaker tradition of spiritual teaching and practice. Instead, the vacuum of teaching is often filled by other spiritual traditions, as well as the background assumptions...

Noli Irritare Leones on Quaker Mate Swapping

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:52:32 -0700

and other things you can learn about in a First Day School lesson in the meeting archives Posted by Robin M

Ben Pink Dandelion: Uncertainty speaks volumes in the sound of silence

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:39:44 -0700

Ben P. Dandelion summarizes the theological development of liberal Quakers: "The radical liturgy of silence continues in the Quaker tradition now sitting alongside a radical theology of the authenticity of uncertainty and the joy of continual discovery. It is a wonderful place to be." Posted by C Wess Daniels

Inner Lighting Rudy: Old arguments against novel reading

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:21:20 -0700

I've been reading an 1806 book on Quakers, at A Portraiture of Quakerism. While at first it sounds as though Quakers at the time were against having any fun at all (music, dancing, reading novels, drama, gambling) the arguments there are more nuanced than I expected. While I'm right there with the author on gambling, I didn't expect to find myself convicted on the reading of novels. Namely, that reading novels makes it harder to read nonfiction. Posted by Martin Kelley

Infinite Ocean Daniel surveys us on how to find Truth

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:13:04 -0700

I would like to invite all you blog readers out there to "call in" and give us your view in the comment box on how humans can come to the Truth. Posted by LizOpp

Chris M summarizes the outreach provided to parents of kids at San Fran Friends School

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:11:20 -0700

Notes on Quaker theology, the Testimonies, Quakers' social justice/social change work over the years, and impact on Quaker schools Posted by LizOpp

Hystery contemplates further on gay rights, FUM, and why she feels as strongly as she does

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:11:20 -0700

Is it possible that my reaction to FUM is different than other liberals within the Quaker fold because I am so new? I honestly did not know that NY had affiliations with a religious organization that had anti-gay language. Posted by LizOpp

Raye: I Lovingly, Respectfully Decline the Invitation

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:10:42 -0700

In my experience, the [words of Galatians 5] are difficult if not impossible to follow unless our hearts and spirits are filled - to the brim! - with the love of Christ. Some of us are filled that way, miraculously, directly through God's Spirit. Many of us, however, need help from human friends to finally get there. Pray for the filling of the Spirit, and if you need human help getting there, seek it, accept it, be willing to change, and to let go of some of the things you have in order...

Lizopp Putting God into SPICE

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:41:07 -0700

What is it we really want those who find us to understand about our peculiar faith tradition? How can we share the fabric of Quakerism and not just a few of its individual threads? Posted by Martin Kelley

Robin vigils and participates in Blog Action Day: Climate Change

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:48:38 -0700

I went to the Quaker Vigil for Peace and Justice at noon in front of the Federal Building in San Francisco. The same vigil I've been to before. The same vigil that's been meeting there every Thursday for eight years. Posted by Chris M

R. Scot Miller: Some thoughts on continuing revelation

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:51:45 -0700

Truth is not only found in the biblical text or Christ-centered faith. I believe that truth is represented in numerous places and in many faiths. But for the most part, if we are to stay comprehensible to one another and maintain any integrity in our ability to claim truths, they must be part of a larger context that anchors our worldview, but particular enough so that we maintain the diversity of faiths that make for a better world. Posted by Chris M

Hystery of Plainly Pagan makes it clear where she stands when it comes to Quakers and homosexuality

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:24:52 -0700

When asked to choose between the rights of LGBT people and the religious sensibilities of homophobic Friends, I'll turn my back on conservative Quakers every single time. Posted by LizOpp

Ear of the Soul Mark considers what it means to give and receive Love freely

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:24:52 -0700

When we read about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, do we tend to see ourselves in Jesus' place, or in the disciples place? It seems hard to put ourselves in a position to receive love freely, without any obligation. Posted by LizOpp

Johan remembers the life and ministry of New England Friend Gordon M Browne, Jr

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:24:52 -0700

Within and beyond his ministry at FWCC, Gordon never abandoned the high ideals that first led him to worship and serve with Friends. I think he had a zeal deep in his bones for the essentials of prophetic Christian discipleship. It was obvious to him that Friends should urgently, persistently stand up for racial justice, including in our own institutions... Posted by LizOpp

Chad considers A movable feast: Quakers in a mobile society

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:43:26 -0700

In this modern world, as people begin to marry and move due to work or calling, I find it compelling to look at how Quakerism is working with those less geographically rooted members in terms of membership to local meetings; members who join a local meeting but find a calling beyond the geographic reach of either their local meeting or even the reach of Friends meetings currently serving local communities around the world. Posted by Robin M

Wee Dragon says Friend Raye Comes to the Rescue!

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:44:26 -0700

A post about visitation among Friends. Posted by Chris M

QQQQandA: What Is It about Quakers and Music?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:17:57 -0700

Please explain -- what is the deal about Quakers and music? Is it true that music is considered sinful? Why? Posted by Chris M

Ashley's Visitor Report from Northwest YM 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:48:25 -0700

The meeting had music and silence at different times each day. I felt that the music and silence were integrated into the business well and were not a formality, and I could feel the presence of God in the silence. Posted by Robin M

Anthony describes How Howard Brinton Invented SPICE, the Quaker Testimonies....

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:15:01 -0700

Howard "discovered" these testimonies in the same way that a scientist discovers a "law" or recurrent pattern in the physical universe. He looked back at the advices and behavior of Friends and saw patterns of behavior springing out of a distinctive way of life and worship. Posted by Robin M

quaker oats live: on the importance of inclusive language: an open letter to all worship leaders

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:02:50 -0700

'Inclusive language is something that's been important to me for a long time, but it's hard to know how to address it in a community in a way that will be truly heard. So, rather than address it in a community, I guess I'm choosing to just throw it out into cyberspace....' Posted by Johan Maurer

Heather from A Friend in Need offers how Not-Knowing relates to being Spirit-led

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:01:29 -0700

I can't pretend to be in control. I can't pretend that I know what I'm doing when I don't. All I can do is prepare the best I can, and show up open to whatever happens. Posted by LizOpp

Emerging Diane attends Faith and Micah's wedding

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:48:56 -0700

I do think the world would be less harried--and impoverished-- if more couples adopted the simplicity of the Quaker wedding. This is a place where less is more. Where simplicity is beautiful. Posted by Chris M

Johan looks at two sides of the Quaker coin through Testament of Devotion and the new Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:14:54 -0700

It's interesting to re-read A Testament of Devotion, with its lyrical exhortations to spiritual fellowship and self-abandonment to God, immediately after finishing Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African Americans, and the Myth of Racial Justice, by Donna McDaniel and Vanessa Julye. Each book serves as a reality check on the other. If Kelly is correct about the egalitarian corollary of life in the Blessed Community, then the Quakerdom described by McDaniel and Julye never...

Hystery of Plainly Pagan muses about the Quaker mask she and others wear

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:02:35 -0700

Maybe we are all wearing masks. I cannot be the only one who removes it in the deepening silence when I think that no one is watching. Why else would Quakers tremble and weep in meeting as I know they sometimes do? I watch the light pass over their faces and I feel the energy whirl in the heavy places between their words. They must also be "touched." Is that not the point? Posted by LizOpp

Jeanne explains another "rule" about Quakers and social class

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:57:33 -0700

If we're even unintentionally turning away a whole class of people because they're not like us, I believe we're acting directly against what God would have us do not just for our meetings ("diversity" and all) but for each lost soul searching for a spiritual home who might find one with us. Posted by LizOpp

Good Raised Up Liz reflects on book reading at FGC Gathering

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:10:32 -0700

I decided not to read anything from the book directly, though I spoke about topics that were in the introduction and where the idea for the Quaker blog reader came from. Then I opened it up for questions, and at times I turned to my fellow bloggers to respond.... In some ways, it felt like an online conversation, with Friends chipping in to speak to pieces I had overlooked, or to expand on something that had caught the attention of someone else. Posted by Chris M

Practical Mystic Beth: Let Your Light Shine

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:38:41 -0700

The Quaker meeting I attend, there is a children's meeting and parents take turns to staff the meeting. It is one of the main reasons I think I started to go back to meeting – was the chance to pass along this tradition to my own son. Posted by Chris M

Under the Overturned Lute: While others pray…

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:32:07 -0700

I count. ...Because I know that folks with no experience of silent worship can come to God's presence in it. Posted by Robin M

Shawna writes I'm Coming Out of the Closet

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:23:22 -0700

and applying for a clearness committee in Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) Posted by Robin M

"Prepare for God's arrival" - Quaker Quaker

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:06:01 -0700

'I have perceived God working in our Meeting, these past few years. I was recently reminded of how miserable I was about not having local Friends I could relate to when I went to the World Gathering of Young Friends in 2005. I have been working and praying, and I see change happening.' Post ends with a crucial question. Posted by Johan Maurer

Raised Anna on The Role of Reclaiming in the Coming of the Blessed Community

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:24:47 -0700

Reclaiming is particularly important for Quakers, especially Liberal Friends because as Liberal Friends we have grown very used to throwing things away. We have gotten rid of beliefs, Church structures, theology and traditions. Yet as Christians and as Friends what we should be doing is reclaiming. Posted by Chris M

mil gracias: Andean Travelogue

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:11:09 -0700

Nancy Thomas: 'We're encouraging Andean Friends to remember and write down the stories that give insight into their faith and life, both on the personal and communal levels.' Posted by Johan Maurer

Living Anj has a good time clerking a committee meeting

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:47:17 -0700

I felt led not to bring an elder, and as I held that in the Light, I decided to explore, with the committee, what it looks like to elder ourselves. And as I rode the train the weekend, reading Elizabeth's Boardman's Where do I Stand? and the notes from my clerking weekend with Arthur Larrabee, clarity came. Posted by Chris M

Liberata on the Bumbling Quaker and the Virtuoso

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:37:17 -0700

the first question Justin asked me was about the place of the Bible in Quaker faith. I wish one of those bad Quakers from the Bad Quaker Bible Blog had been there to answer that one in my place! ... How concrete, how rock-solid was all that he said...and how airy and undefined my explanations must have sounded! But how does one explain what it's like to sit in the silence and breathe in the Spirit and the unmistakable joy when the heart recognizes the voice of the Master and Teacher?...

Anna on Young Adult Friends in Residence and the New Monasticism

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:05:06 -0700

It's been a week since I moved into the house donated to the YAFIR (Young Adult Friends in Residence) program. The house was in bad shape when we got it but half a dozen F(f)riends have worked very hard for the last three weeks and it now feels more like a home. Posted by Chris M

Anna publishes the Friends In The Spirit of Christ Epistle

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:52:55 -0700

Knowing that language and doctrinal notions have caused unnecessary divisions among people of faith, we have no desire to add to these, but simply to stand with Jesus Christ at an open door, where He offers His light and love. We have found that these are available to everyone. Posted by Chris M

Corporate faith : “... our testimony on ... ” - Alice M Yaxley on Quaker Quaker

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:52:13 -0700

'Look at this sentence fragment: " ... the consequences of our testimony on ..." I'm pretty clear that in the context as it was written, the thing that had consequences was "our testimony".' Alice asks whether we can still say "our testimony" without qualification. Posted by Johan Maurer

Emerging Quaker on Plain-dressing Quakers and Nurse's Uniforms

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:21:11 -0700

Does the loss of professional "uniform" have connection with the breakdown of our medical system or is it just coincidence? Then I began to think about plain-dressing Quakers. Living in Barnesville, I see plain-dressing Quakers.... Is there some degree to which the clothes make the man or woman? Posted by Chris M

Stephanie experiments with Keeping the Sabbath

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:40:32 -0700

In addition to Saturday being more intentional, my movements about the house on First Day were more intentional as well. Posted by Robin M

Street Corner Society Kirk says, Mind your Pirates and Quakers…

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:05:00 -0700

I've been interested for a while in the historic parallels between pirates (the English-speaking ones, especially in the Atlantic ocean) and Quakers. Posted by Chris M

Liz Opp offers Two tips for clerks

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:35:44 -0700

These are specific items that, as I've grown into my service as clerk, have helped me test the sense of the group while also paying attention to the practicalities of committee work. Posted by Robin M

Brent Bill is saddened by events within Western Yearly Meeting

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:40 -0700

The authority and integrity of the Yearly Meeting is not threatened by actions taken together in a Meeting for Worship for Business as part of the annual sessions. It is threatened when those who disagree with an outcome raise a hue and cry about needing a "way forward" for their way of believing. Posted by LizOpp

Brent Bill's Quaker Wisdom for Today

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:04:50 -0700

a prayer from Inazo Nitobe, Japanese Quaker, 1909 Posted by Robin M

Chris M reprints the Open Letter from Friends of Color to Pacific Yearly Meeting

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:21:03 -0700

We have felt interracial tensions in our community. There have been times when we have felt isolated and not acknowledged in a manner that is consistent with our cultural traditions. it is important to us that we are recognized as fully functioning, literate, spiritual persons of equal values as the friends that you already know here. Posted by LizOpp

Chris M shares the epistle from Pacific Yearly Meeting 2009

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:21:03 -0700

We were reminded to be faithful to our Quaker practice of meeting for worship with attention to business. We needed to step back from results, create space, and leave room for the Spirit to enter. We were not here for a product or goal, but to be faithful and uncover: What does God will for us? Posted by LizOpp

Pilgrim & Stranger: What is Quakerism?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:44:07 -0700

Kevin Douglas Olive takes a stab at the ever poignant question: What is Quakerism? Quakerism is a living, vibrant faith with several manifestations that are strikingly different. Quakers refer to themselves and each other as "Friends." The terms are used interchangeably. Posted by C Wess Daniels

mil gracias: Hospitality: The Virtue of Paying Attention

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:15:59 -0700

Hospitality as "part of the spirituality of teaching." Notes from Costa Rica, Bolivia, and Brazil. Posted by Johan Maurer

Sermon on The Bleeding Woman « Nadia Bolz-Weber

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:50:19 -0700

Nadia Bolz-Weber pastor of the church "All Sinners and Saints" writes a proactive piece about loving the 'unclean.' She says, "I love that today' gospel text is about Jesus touching people he shouldn't be touching. Jesus defiling himself and breaking all society’s rules about purity. Making all the wrong people worth to be in the presence of a Holy God." Posted by C Wess Daniels

Pam Ferguson at barclaypress.com: 'Women in Ministry' and Winchester Friends' heritage

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:48:17 -0700

'This issue touches many other concerns: professional ministry vs. released ministry, the recording process itself, true gender equality in Yearly Meeting leadership structures, leadership and authority in monthly meetings, and faith communities as places where nurture and encouragement of universal ministry is second nature.' Posted by Johan Maurer

Teachers expand global service program | Courier Times Now

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:23:38 -0700

About eight educators from 17 schools in 10 states repaired a Quaker church in Cuba damaged by 2008 hurricanes. ... Roughly a dozen of the teachers spent more than three weeks rebuilding a community devastated by a 2008 earthquake in Sichuan province, southwest China... Posted by Robin M

Will T on New England YM and the Power of the Lord

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:02:41 -0700

At first glance this mechanism seems to be a crazy contrivance that ends up making no difference. That view does not explain the sweetness that came over the working group as this "contrivance" was taking shape. That sense of sweetness is one of the hallmarks of the work of the Holy Spirit. Posted by Robin M

Jon Watts on Bringing our Quaker family into dialogue

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:34:32 -0700

It can be overwhelming to think about "healing" the splits, and perhaps it is not God's intention for Quakerism to return to being one big whole. But certainly we are not meant to simply ignore the discrepancies in our spiritual identity without engaging in dialogue…? Posted by Robin M

Walking the Sea: Lead a Child in the Way She Should Go... Part 2 of 2

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:31:37 -0700

'How can we practice religion and entirely miss the whole point of coming to know God? Is that why so many people are spiritual but not religious?' Posted by Johan Maurer

Liz adds more about Shane Claiborne at the FGC Gathering 2009

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:05:54 -0700

How accepted would Shane Claiborne be if he were to start ministering to us 21st Century Quakers out of the silence during a meeting for worship...? Posted by Robin M

Liz reports on Ben Pink Dandelion (and a little about Shane Claiborne) at FGC Gathering 2009

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:10:25 -0700

Both men called us to greater faithfulness and greater care to looking at what we possess and what we profess. Posted by Robin M

Born To Eat Toast: Making Space For The Rabbi

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:08:34 -0700

'After some soul searching and actual listening, I started the practice of stepping back in every daily encounter to see what Christ was about before I inserted myself into the situation. I began to ask, "What IS Jesus doing?" I tried to hold off on my own inclination to "do something" and just wait until I could see the Rabbi in action.' Posted by Johan Maurer

To Kill or to Love—That Was the Question | Christianity Today

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:07:30 -0700

A new angle on "answering that of God in everyone": Are you answering the image of God in yourself, and consequently "bearing" that image to others? Posted by Johan Maurer

mil gracias: To blog or not to blog: taking the plunge

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:02:20 -0700

One of the newest Friends bloggers--please encourage her! Posted by Johan Maurer

A Passionate and Determined Quest for Adequacy: And Now a Survey

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:17:40 -0700

---on what to do after reading the Bible from cover to cover. We have a couple more days to complete this survey. (Note: read the comments!) Posted by Johan Maurer

Quakers au Centre-du-Québec

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:43:44 -0700

blog (in French) for a new worship group in Victoriaville Posted by Robin M

The Nuclear Energy Debate among Friends: Another Round « A Musing Environment

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:01:33 -0700

'What are we thinking when we ignore the findings of the scientific community? How are we choosing which "scientists" to believe? It is important to examine the sources we choose and why we place faith in them, as fundamental differences in what we read and whom we trust affect where we plant the banner of our activism. ... I am sometimes baffled at the degree of distrust of the mainstream scientific community among Friends.' Posted by Johan Maurer

Why not call yourself a christian, like Lucretia? - Alice M Yaxley on Quaker Quaker

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:17:54 -0700

'Love really exists; it is manifest every day, people do incredible things to feed their children and to help strangers. Praise God, Love is Real! Why is it hard to admit that is following Jesus? To me it comes across as deceit to deny that the experience of unity with Jesus in scripture is the foundation of our church. We need truth in advertising, we can't pretend that Quakers are not christians, the truth is important. ... Enlighten me?' Posted by Johan Maurer

What Canst Thou Say?: Blogging as ministry

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:47:45 -0700

Robin M writes about blogging as ministry: "...Quaker blogs are part of an ongoing conversation about what is happening in our spiritual lives, including events we go to, books we read, theological questions we wrestle with, and our everyday joys and concerns. They offer a chance to stay in touch with Friends in a substantive way, between conferences, meetings, without travel costs, and often with photos of mutual Friends." Posted by C Wess Daniels

The peace of Christ for those with ears to hear - The Quaker Ranter

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:50:17 -0700

Friends have a lot of accumulated wisdom about what it means the primitive Christian life, even if we're pretty rusty on its actual practice. What shape would that witness take and who would join us into that unknown but familiar desert? What would our movement even be called? And does it matter? Posted by C Wess Daniels

Margaret Fell's Red Dress

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:05:45 -0800

The Quaker Ranter tells the story of Margaret Fell's red dress. The story goes that one day Margaret wore a red dress to Meeting. Another Friend complained that it was gaudy. She shot back in a letter that it was a "silly poor gospel" to question her dress. In my branch of Friends, this story is endlessly repeated out of context to prove that "plain dress" isn't really Quaker. (I haven't looked up to see if I have the actual details correct--I'm telling the apocryphal...

Will T on Bloggers of Truth

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:10:50 -0800

Will T discusses what it means to be "bloggers of truth." "Some of us would like to adopt the name Publishers of Truth. However, before we can be publishers we need to be possessors. We give lip service to following the Inner Guide, but we want to circumscribe the areas where we will do so." Posted by C Wess Daniels

Kody H on "To Teach His People Himself"

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:08:41 -0800

Kody discusses the importance of Jesus and truth in our mediated culture. "In this, the first decade of the 21st century, Friends have access to a tremendous range of media for sharing our faith, communicating our convictions, and publishing our understanding of Truth. However, in order to make use of these resources, we must first have a clear sense of our message." Posted by C Wess Daniels

Plenary Session Recordings | Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:25:18 -0800

The audio from the plenary sessions and worship from the peace gathering. Posted by C Wess Daniels

beautiful mundane - thoughts on "a new kind of quakerism" conference in greensboro, nc

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:12:31 -0800

Betsy writes -- ...I guess I realized this weekend at the Quaker conference in Greensboro, that we want change and we imagine how alive we would feel, and how radical the world could be—these high visions—but when it comes to the point of sacrifice, possible surrender to the unknown or certain discomfort—we stop short. Posted by C Wess Daniels

Chris M.: Convergent Friends and the Daily Kos

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:04:46 -0700

Chris asks - How can we better see the conventional wisdom of whichever branch of Friends we're part of, and move the conversation? Posted by C Wess Daniels

Holy Ordinary: Quaker Thoughts on Life: A Final Thought for Convergent Friends October

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:43:42 -0700

Can convergent Friends be a movement around relationships and "a place where thoughtful, caring dialogue can continue?" Brent sure hopes so! Posted by C Wess Daniels

Convergent Friends #1 | Gregg’s Gambles

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:56:11 -0700

ne of the biggest reasons I was originally drawn to Friends is also the bedrock for convergence. We've begun a series on the book of Galatians, and the life-changing power of that letter from Paul is to refuse to let relationship with God devolve into religion. An active life in the Spirit, refusing to be codified, separated, parceled out or ritualized…this is the heart of our faith. A group of people, a community, a body, that refuses to draw boundary lines and separate into "acceptable" and...

Fire in the Bones: Going Back to Quaker Banking?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:38:33 -0700

This sounds to me like a backhanded compliment. On the one hand, that something of the old Quaker ethic of sobriety, simplicity and living within our means would be a wholesome detox after years in which our society has binged on 'credit', in other word has got up to its ears and beyond in debt. On the other hand, that Quakers helped to build our crazy, usurious, unsustainable financial system, even if the Quaker bankers of old would be appalled at modern banking practices. Posted by...

E m e r g i n g Q u a k e r: If Emergent is dead, what about Convergent?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:38:33 -0700

However, I fear that Quakerism is going to go away, as I fear many mainline Protestant denominations will and most non-demoninational churches, because they've elevated being conformed to the society over the faith. I believe that, unless all of these bodies start more firmly embracing their Christian core, they will die. What will be left standing are the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. I think these churches have much to offer, but I also think the world would be poorer...